-Jzjrjorfft-i / 97 ó DECEMBER! 974 ouráe OF S u l pu ep r i n ten N E W cien E N G L A N D , tó ^/j N C . áociution Sponsors a n d administrators of the Lawrence S. Dicki nson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d yearly to deserving Turf M a n a g e m e n t Students. WHERE HAVE ALL THE SUPERS GONE? Dean Robertson coined the title for this piece. The successful N e w England Golf Course Association vice-presidential candidate had no politicing in mind, either, when he looked around a peopledotted annual meeting room and unloaded his query. Ah, the annual meeting. It was, for the most part, enjoyable...not to mention worthwhile. The slate of officers-headed by re-elected president T o m Curran-received the expected full approval of the gathering. Some members got to swap thoughts on topical subject matter that ranged f r o m the plight of the Boston Bruins to the rising cost of fertilizer and perhaps the latter's whereabouts. There was plenty of quality all right, but the quantity was nowhere to be seen. Alas, the place was barren. A quick count of voting eligibles drew the alarming figure of 19! This brought to the attention of officers and general membership the apparent lack of interest growing through the ranks. Granted, there w e r e isolated locations where traveling conditions played an important part in attendance decisions. However, the weather produced nothing more than a little rain and a little wind. ' T w a s not the blizzard of '66 nor the Johnstown Flood. The apathy caused certain of the faithful to propose remedies for the situation-some sound and some wild. It also was decided to f o r m a committee for the return of missing members. President Curran appointed that group which will study w a y s and means to bring the flock back. Robertson and a f e w others spoke of amending the membership dues so that luncheon fees would be added, thereby making it a financial risk for members to skip meetings. This drew considerable support. There also was offered the idea of compulsory attendance, that members would be required to attend a set percentage of meetings or relinquish their rights...including that to vote. Further, it was tossed out that poor attendance might even be just cause for suspension f r o m the association...temporary and in some cases permanent. Some thought this penalty too harsh, while others maintained that the strength of the N E G C A S was being threatened f r o m within and that all steps (including suspension) should be considered in order to keep goals and purposes in sight. Perhaps, the first step should be a posting of delinquent names in the association Newsletter. Unfortunately, it has been brought to the attention of diligent members that certain stay-aways are using budgetary funds for use other than to attend association meetings. " M a y b e w e should bring this out in the open", one unnamed super declared. " G r e e n chairmen read the Newsletter. They will have names available. If one happens to fall into the above category, the guilty superintendent will have second thoughts about using his expenses as they w e r e intended to be used. The feeling throughout the group present was that it was being cheated by fellow members who chose to play hookey. " I think that a small turnout is bad for the entire organization", another super said. " I have to be amazed at the number of missing people today. All I can think of is the group's first meeting 50 years ago. They had 41 there and here we don't even come up with half of that for the most important meeting of the year. We have to have unity and w e have to have numbers in order to keep the association strong." Educational chairman L a r r y Bunn was especially concerned at the low attendance figure for the annual meeting and for other gatherings over the year. "Sometimes I ' m embarrassed when I line up guest speakers and only a handful are there to hear t h e m " , he stated. " I ' m for setting up some kind of a penalty system for those who constantly stay a w a y . " Thus, the annual-meeting was interesting...and worthwhile, to be sure. If you weren't there, you missed something. Hopefully, the tone of the discussion there will get the delinquents off their duffs and back to the duty of attending N E G C S A meetings. It is in the best interest of all. Gerry Finn Next M e e t i n g . . . JANUARY 6 , 1 9 7 5 Holiday Inn, Newton Directors Meeting 11:00 A.M. Regular Meeting 1:00 P.M. Lunch On Your Own Larry Bunn has an interesting educational program set up — so t r y to make it. To Be Voted on at the next meeting Robert L. Petri Ilo John A. Forrest o u r s e . S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s ^ y ^ S S o c i a t i o n - COWAN'S CASSIDY CHAMPS It wasn't all work, thank the Good Lord, for the N e w England Golf Course Superintendents Association through the summer. E v e n though the m a j o r i t y of area courses looked like the typical super w e r e chained to his maintenance building with super conditions prevailing, the boys took some well deserved time to get in their own golf licks. And out of the confusion (not r e a l l y ) , e m e r g e d Brian Cowan of E a s t w a r d Ho and the retired Phil Cassidy as our champions. The N e w England Championship fell plunk in the middle of a v e r y ambitious schedule...arranged, incidentally, by Cowan who turned in a v e r y efficient year as association golf chairman. Site of the championship was the F e r n c r o f t Country Club with Paul Johnson host super. Cowan f i r e d a formidable 75 to capture the overall title. Meanwhile, Cassidy-showing the advantages of being retired and available for a practice session at all times-paced the seniors contingent with an 88. L o w net honors went to Mark T a y l o r with 63. T h e r e iollowed D a v e Barber. 69; Bruce Petrelli. 71: Bill Carter, 73 and Guy Tedesco, 73. The tournament season opened at D a v e Mauk's home stomping grounds at Clauson's Inn. A blind draw team championship was at stake and f r o m the group c a m e a winning net score of 215 by P e t e Coste, Joe Rybka and Julie Aksten. Individually, Gug Tedesco's 79 took gross honors while D a v e Barber was low net with 69. N e x t on the agenda was another team safari, this time at Vesper Country Club where Bert Fredricks served as host. Gross prize after a 381 went to Brian Cowan, Ron Kirkman, A1 Auger and Julie Aksten. The net fight was decided by D a v e Barber, Len Gregory, T o m Schofield and M a r k T a y l o r who combined for a 302. The superintendent-green chairman tournament followed at the L o n g m e a d o w Country Club where 58 players w e r e greeted by host super Leon St. Pierre...plus several m o v i e stars who w e r e on location shooting a f i l m there. Ron Kirkman and Mr. Anderson took the honors with a net 61 over the celebrity- saturated layout. Ron K i r k m a n and Charles Border shared individual gross with Green Keepers Club of New England having lunch in 1925. Looks fine 75's and M e l O'Kelly took the net prize with 67. Other notable scores w e r e turned in by the teams of Gary Luccini-Hewitt, Bill C a r t e r - G r i m s l e y , Bob Mucciarone-Clapp, Bruce PetreliiGeldnacku, Paul O ' L e a r y - Johnson, Jim Damien-Gagnon, T o m Schofield-Barnes and Hubert Morton-Kusser. Cohassett and Arthur Washburn laid out the w e l c o m e mat for another team tussle among the members. Net honors and the title went to Brian Cowan, D a v e Barber, Bert Fredricks and Steve Butler with 55, Just edged out by a stroke w e r e Charles Borden, P e t e Coste, Lenny Blodgett and A r t Washburn. Individually, Art Washburn's 77 was good for low gross while P e t e Coste and N o r m Mucciarone tied f o r ' l o w net at 71. The super-celebrity tournament found 29 teams in action at Spring Valley where John Sperandio was host. Brian Cowan again c a m e through with the championship off a net 70 compiled with partner Joe Bellino. Ken Mooradian and Bob Phillips w e r e a stroke back at 71 in a second place tie with Guy Tedesco and Gino Cappaletti. Los grass of 72 was turned in by G a r y Luccini and Bob St. John. The always-popular John Shanahan Memorial, super-pro tournament at B r a e Burn with Bob Grant as host, produced the year's biggest field of 64 teams. Ron Kirkman and M i k e Smith walked off with honors on a net 66. Next at 68 w e r e the teams of Dick Napierata and Don Parsons and Bob Mucciarone and E d Kornasky. In with 69's w e r e Paul Johnson and John Theo and Julie Aksten and L e n Sewell. Final event of the campaign c a m e at Needham where Ron Kirkman was chief greeter. This was another team event with the three some of Nick Bruno, A1 A u g e r and Bob Mucciarone firing an amazing net 55 to win by f i v e strokes. Next at 60 w e r e Ron Kirkman, G a r y Luccini and Sil Paulini. T w o t e a m s - Ken Mooradian, A r t Washburn, Sam Mitchell and Brian Cowan, Bob M c E w e n and E r i c B r o w n - t i e d at 61. And there you have the N E G C S A lineup of champions for 1974. G e r r y Finn like a pretty good attendance then. We should be able to do the same. President First Vice President Second V i c e President Secretary Treasurer Trustee Trustee Trustee Finance Chairman THOMAS CURRAN F o x Chase Road South Sutton, N.H. 03273 Phone 9 3 8 - 5 4 3 6 Eastham G o l f Course W A Y N E ZOPPO 9 A Village Green N o r t h E. Providence, R.I. 0 2 9 1 5 Phone 4 3 4 - 1 7 5 9 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Agawam Hunt DEAN ROBERTSON 24 Riverview Drive N e w b u r y , Mass. 0 1 9 5 0 Phone 4 6 2 A 5 4 0 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Chestnut Hill C o u n t r y Club R O N A L D K I R K M A N CGCS 25 Green St. Needham, Mass. 0 2 1 9 2 Phone 4 4 4 - 8 4 1 2 Club Affiliation Needham Golf Club LUCIEN D U V A L 12 Gault Road Bedford. N.H. 03102 Phone 4 7 2 - 3 4 5 4 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Y o r k Golf & Tennis Club' MAX MIERZWA 106 Crestwood Street Chicopee, Mass. 0 1 0 2 0 Phone 594-4996 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Chicopee C o u n t r y Club DAVE BARBER 1 Muriel Road C h e l m s f o r d , Mass. 0 1 8 2 4 Phone 256-4417 Club Affiliation Wayland C o u n t r y Club ARTHUR WASBURN 5 2 0 No. Main St. Cohasset, Mass. 0 2 0 2 5 Phone 3 8 3 - 9 5 3 2 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Cohasset Golf Club DONALD HEARN 4 Topeka Road Chelmsford, Mass. 0 1 8 2 4 Phone 2 5 6 - 8 7 0 9 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Weston Golf Club SOUND OFF (Time again for the reader to take his stance, approach his pen and paper and let us have it. This is Sound Off—that popular section of the Newsletter where steam is let off and sounds of praise occasionally drift in. The ground rules aren't shaking. All contributors are asked to sign their offerings and include home address. Names and addresses will be withheld upon request. The place where all the flak gathers is Newsletter Mail Bag, 290 North Road, Sudbury, Mass. 01776. The Newsletter reserves the right to comment on all published letters.) " P l e a s e allow m e to use the Sound Off column as a means of expressing m y concern over the small attendance at the recent annual meeting. " A s president of our organization, I feel that the membership is only as strong as its actions. The action, too, should be reasonable attendance at meetings all year. " I have appointed a committee to study this issue which c a m e to a head last month. It will report to m e and the full membership will be asked to take action on its proposals. " I also agree with the letter last month f r o m Dean Robertson. I f e e l that the Newsletter and the Sound Off column are a means of giving members and others a chance to air their views. Often some of the letters bring to our attention topics worthy of thought and discussion and vital to the interests of our profession. " T h e r e f o r e , I urge more involvement by our members. They can show this by better attendance at meetings and participation in the issues of the day in the Newsletter. " T h a n k you again for placing the presidency in my trust for another year. With everyone making the N E G C S A a working organization, I ' m sure the profession and golf will benefit." TOM CURRAN President, N E G C S A We won't gavel you down on these points, Tom. Let's hope the right people get the message this month! " Y o u r recent issue on the 50th anniversary of your association was interesting and enjoyed by this reader. " I wasn't a w a r e that the superintendents had been organized that long. Certainly, it was an occasion to celebrate and look back on what I ' m sure are many accomplishments. " I t was pleasing to see that some of your 'pioneers' could make it for the party. As someone remarked in one of the stories, the turnout represented three generations. " A s a relative old-timer, myself, I can look back to the days when the superintendent was the greenskeeper and not given the recognition he deserved. If the organizing of the superintendents has accomplished one thing, it is that recognition. Certainly, the superintendent has to be placed in a position of respect and responsibility in the operating structure of the country club. And I suspect the act of organizing yourselves has had much to do with it. " B e l a t e d congratulations." THOMAS KOJAKIAN Watertown, Mass. Your kind words are appreciated, Mr. Kojakian. Please pass them along to your fellow members should you belong to a country club. G o l f Chairman Educational Chairman BRIAN COWAN Robins Way H a r w i c h , Mass. 0 2 6 4 5 Phone 4 3 2 - 9 0 4 1 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Eastward Ho C o u n t r y Club LARRY BUNN 145 Dedham Street Canton, Mass. 0 2 0 2 1 Phone 8 2 8 - 7 2 6 6 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Blue Hills C o u n t r y Club Newsletter Chairman THOMAS SCHOFIELD 2 9 0 N o r t h Road S u d b u r y , Mass. 0 1 7 7 6 Phone 443-3712 Club Affiliation Wellesley C o u n t r y Club Past President R O B E R T G R A N T CGCS 22 Patricia Road S u d b u r y , Mass. 0 1 7 7 6 Phone 4 4 3 - 2 6 7 1 Club A f f i l i a t i o n Brae Burn C o u n t r y C l u b OF NEW E N G L A N D I N C " R e c e n t l y , I read somewhere that a John Campbell moved his place of business f r o m f a m e d St. Andrews. " S e v e r a l years ago, I seem to recall that a John Campbell made a visit to Western Massachusetts where he spoke at some kind of a seminar or educational meeting concerning golf courses. " I was wondering if this was the same Mr. Campbell who was here and what e v e r possessed him to leave St. Andrews? F r o m what I ' v e heard and read of St. Andrews, it appears to be that paragon of places for a golf-oriented executive to work. " I s n ' t Campbell's actio'ns somewhat questionable. I thought a man employed by St. Andrews was a man blessed with vocational attainment." JASPER KING Hampden, Mass. Yes, the John Campbell, who left St. Andrews, is the same superintendent who made an appearance in Western Mass. and other American ports. His reasons for leaving are his own, naturally. However, we understand his new job offers him more financial stability. " I read with interest the letter you received f r o m a M r . McDonald and his revival of the old time names for clubs. In that same light, I was wondering how long it will take present-day manufacturers to start a new line of names. " I r e f e r to the sudden step-up in production of woods that g o beyond the normal one through four numbers. It has been common these days to see players have a complete set of woods in their bags, with only a chipping iron or perhaps a putter to break the string. " E v e n some of the professionals are going for the highnumbered woods. I think I saw L e e Trevino use a six-wood on a television series and there are others who are switching to wood. " I n m y travels, I ' v e seen wood numbers as high as 13. I think you'll see some wood calls coming out soon." E M E R Y COLLINS South Hadley, Mass. Yes, and there are some other names by which clubs are called....especially when a shot goes astray! (That's the Sound Off wrap-up for Now. Keep those letters and cards coming. They keep this space alive.) US6A Green Section Conference On Golf Course Management Fri Jan 2 4 , 1 9 7 5 BILTMORE HOTEL NEW YORK, N.Y. 9:00 A.M. - REGISTRATION TIME Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. PCetue j t e ä w w f e FRIENDS O F THE A S S O C I A T I O N A l f c o R o k e b y C o . , Inc. R o n Gagne - Scotts G o l f Course Div. Malter International Fertilizers and C h e m i c a l Specialties 5 K e n d a l l P a r k , N o r t o n , Mass. Mr. H o w a r d A . Vincent, Representative P. O . B o x 267, Marietta, Ohio 617-285-7466 L o n g m e a d o w , Massachusetts 0 1 1 0 6 Baker Tractor Corp., F o r d Tractors H a r l e y D a v i d s o n G o l f Cars Swansea, Massachusetts Chanderlin Seed C o . , Inc., Division o f Grounds E q u i p m e n t C o . , Inc. 3 8 3 B o y l s t o n St., N e w t o n C e n . , Mass. R . F . Morse & Son, Inc. Gull Agricultural Service Co. W e s t W a r e h a m , Mass. 0 2 5 7 6 Allen Bonnell Tel. 617-295-1553 Cranberry Highway 617-362-2181 J o e Silk 6 1 7 - 7 8 4 - 3 9 6 6 L o f t s Pedigreed Seed, Inc., 55 F r e e m a n 20 B e c k R o a d Y a r m o u t h p o r t , Mass. 0 2 6 7 5 A r l i n g t o n , Mass. 0 2 1 7 4 Road Joe Moran — R e p . H o l l i s t o n Sand C o m p a n y , Inc. T h e Charles C . H a r t Seed C o . Wethersfield, Conn. L o w l a n d Street, H o l l i s t o n , Mass. 0 1 7 4 6 529-2537 Sealcoating — H i n g h a m Industrial C e n t e r H i n g h a m , Mass. T e l . 749-3236 Sand f o r G o l f Bunkers and T r a p s Old F o x Chemical Inc. James R . F i t z r o y , R e p . Bus. ( 2 0 3 ) - N e w England Sealcoating Co., Inc. Tennis C o u r t Const, and Maintenance Irrigation & E q u i p m e n t Supply C o . Fertilizers — Seeds — T u r f Chemicals P . O . B o x 147 R o u t e 1 66 V a l l e y Street Corenco Corporation W a l p o l e , Mass. 0 2 0 8 1 East P r o v i d e n c e , R h o d e Island 0 2 9 1 4 525 Woburn Street Tel. 617-668-7814 T e w k s b u r y , Mass. 0 1 8 7 6 S.W. A n t h o n y 1-800-222-7976 - 1-800-225-7955 T h e Clapper C o . 1121 Washington St. West N e w t o n , Mass. T o m Sil P a u l i n i , I n c . Irwin, Inc. 6 Manor Avenue I I B A Street N a t i c k , Mass. 0 1 7 6 0 B u r l i n g t o n , Mass. K a r a n d r e w T u r f Farms, Inc. Richey & Clapper, Inc. S a m M i t c h e l l , Sales R e p r e s e n t a t i v e 28 Rutledge R o a d 15 L o n g m e a d o w D r i v e , C a n t o n , M a s s . N a t i c k , Mass. 0 1 7 6 0 ^ G e o f f r e y S. C o r n i s h & W i l l i a m G . R o b i n s o n G o l f Course Architects F i d d l e r s ' G r e e n , A m h e r s t , Mass. 0 1 0 0 2 T h e K e n n e t h Barrie C o m p a n y Irrigation 375 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Mass. Trencher E q u i p m e n t Leasing, Inc. Ditch Witch Trenchers 38 F a i r v i e w St., A g a w a m , Mass. 0 1 0 0 1 Phone 413-7814600 G e o r g e E . Cull Terra-Green Soil C o n d i t i o n e r L a r c h m o n t Irrigation C o . 1 1 2 G r e e n St., A b i n g t o n , Mass. L a r c h m o n t L n . , L e x i n g t o n , Mass. *Sawtelle Brothers 565 H u m p h r e y Street C . S. C u r r a n T . R . C . P r o d u c t s , Oils and Greases 7 L i n d e n St., F r a m i n g h a m , Mass. E - Z - G o G o l f Car, Division T e x t r o n , Inc. Sales - S e r v i c e - R e n t a l s R o u t e 2 8 , Pocasset, Massachusetts 0 2 5 5 9 Call E d M c G u i r e c o l l e c t 6 1 7 / 5 6 3 - 2 2 3 4 Lee Lime Corp. S w a m p s c o t t , Mass. L e e , Mass. ( 4 1 3 ) 2 4 3 - 0 0 5 3 Tel. 617/5994856 2 Special Spreaders designed f o r G o l f Courses T u c o Products Co. Division o f the U p j o h n C o m p a n y Mallinckrodt, Inc. S e c o n d and M a l l i n c k r o d t Streets Kalamazoo, Michigan Purdy A . Outhouse ( 9 1 4 ) 462-7117 St. L o u i s , M i s s o u r i 6 3 1 4 7 F a i r w a y E q u i p m e n t , Inc. Sales — S e r v i c e — R e n t a l s Magovern C o m p a n y , Inc. 35 Walnut St., R e a d i n g , Mass. Lawn Acre Road Windsor L o c k , Conn. White T u r f Engineering 5 Sumner D r i v e , W i n c h e n d o n , Mass. 0 1 4 7 5 617-297-0941 Farm Bureau Association 158 L e x i n g t o n St., W a l t h a m , Mass. 0 2 1 5 4 D. L . Maher C o m p a n y Philip A . Wogan Fred Heyliger, Representative C o n c o r d Street G o l f Course Architect T h o m a s F. Grummell, Representative * Contributors to the Lawrence S. D 2 1 B u d l e i g h A v e . , B e v e r l y , Mass. P. O . B o x 127, N o r t h Reading, Ma. 01864 :son Scholarship Fund Sudbury, Mass. 01776 Phone 440-3712 Club Affitistfen •: Wellesley Country Club D O N A 1.0 « E A R N Business Manager LEON S T , P I E R R E Coordinator GERRY FINN Contributing Editor V.